Today’s scripture: 1 Chronicles 29:14 (NRSV) (The Message) What might God be saying to me?
My 7thoughts (Robert Ferguson):
The concept of stewardship is often narrowly used and viewed. More often than not we relegate stewardship to monetary concerns. Stewardship, however, is not simply about money. Not just a way of giving, stewardship is a way of living. Stewardship is about life economics. We are stewards, or managers, responsible for the wise use of all of our resources.
As we read our scripture for today we find David preparing the people to build a temple. David helps us to understand that all that we have comes from God and belongs to God. Whatever riches we enjoy, whether money, love, security, enjoyment, knowledge, or family it is all on loan from God. What an awesome statement coming from David the King — a man who had it all. He recognized that what he had he had because of God, and he gratefully gave it back to the lord.
As a community of people we have been richly blessed. We understand that, though our lives may not be perfect, we are so much better off than some others in the world. Most of us are not impoverished. Many of us have been fortunate enough to own homes, have good health and own cupboards that are overflowing with all manner of food and drink. However, we have also been blessed with the knowledge that someone in our very towns, cities, and communities may not have enough. During this holiday season we are challenged by today’s scripture to reach outside of our safe holiday traditions to help
We know that everything is divinely provided; it is required of us that we practice proper stewardship. Like David we should give back to God and, as see in Proverbs 11:25, give back to the world. When we recognize that all we have belongs to the creator, we should, out of hearts of Thanksgiving, bless others as we have been blessed. This involves more than our tithes and offerings, but encompasses every area of life in which we have experienced Gods blessings. In our homes, on our jobs, in our places of worship, and in our living, we praise God for it all, not simply by saying thank you, but by blessing others as we have been blessed.
Question for the day: Does my thanksgiving go deeper than just talk — do I show it? Do I live it?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. Use the item above as a starting point, or consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.